What kind of work do you specialize in?

I’m not one to box myself into a single sector or style. I enjoy working across disciplines because every project calls for its own unique approach. Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to brand stories, video strategy, and digital work like UI and motion systems.

These projects let me bring together photography, motion design, and intentional design thinking to create work that feels bespoke, purposeful, and human. I’m equally fascinated by the systems behind the visuals - building motion languages, behaviors, and design frameworks that give brands a sense of rhythm and personality.

What’s your creative background?

I’ve spent over 10 years working and making, collaborating with global brands, small businesses, and creative studios. I’ve always been obsessed with craft, and I knew early on I could never sit still and pick just one lane. I enjoy adapting to whatever creative challenge comes my way.

A wide range of interests has taught me to think across disciplines, approach problem solving from unexpected angles, and see the bigger picture. That flexibility and curiosity have shaped how I approach most of my work today.

So, my creative background is basically a mix of curiosity, stubbornness, and an inability to say no to a good idea.

What’s your process for a project?

Every project starts with understanding your needs and goals. From there, I shape concepts, visuals, and a living doc to keep ideas moving (I have a soft spot for writing as part of the creative process). Once the direction feels right, I move into production. Every step is handled with care to make sure we create something we’re both proud of, that’s a promise!

Do you offer creative direction or consulting?

Yes. Beyond photography and motion, I help clients shape visual strategies, build design systems, and define motion behaviors that give their brands consistency and personality. While I love creating the work myself, I’m also comfortable leading teams and guiding creative visions from start to finish.

Do you work with clients outside of Portland?

Absolutely. Portland is home, but my work often takes me beyond the Pacific Northwest. I collaborate with clients across the U.S. and internationally, working both remotely and on location.

How did you get into this work?

Growing up, I was captivated by the title sequences and graphics in the films I loved (especially skate films). They set a tone and pulled me in before the story even began. Photography came first, but design and motion naturally followed.

I’ve always been curious about exploring different mediums, and I think that adaptability has become a signature part of my work. Today, I create visuals that are intentional, design-focused, and grounded in real human moments.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

When I’m not photographing or animating, I’m probably outside hiking, skateboarding, camping, or wandering with a camera in hand. I’ve also been unofficially voted by friends as “most likely to be out of town.”

Design books, good playlists, and quiet trails all keep me recharged—and sometimes spark my best ideas.

Do you take time off between projects?

Yes, always. I think it’s important to hit the reset button after a project and give yourself space to step away. Doing something completely different reminds me why I work in the first place. It’s easy to get lost behind a screen, but at the end of the day, you only live once, and no one’s going to remember how many late nights you pulled tweaking keyframes.

Over the years, I’ve made it a point to seek out experiences that challenge me in new ways and keep me grounded.

In 2017, I traveled across Europe with a group of pro athletes on a bike-touring trip. We camped, we roughed it, and we hit nearly every DIY skate spot between Copenhagen and France. It was equal parts exhausting and liberating.

In 2018, I joined a group home team supporting at-risk youth. I helped guide and mentor kids, organized events and trips, and even joined a sailing crew racing from St. Pete to Isla Mujeres across the Gulf of Mexico for a fundraiser. Later that year, I chaperoned trips in Puerto Rico and helped create meaningful experiences for the children while abroad.

In 2019, I volunteered in Leilani Estates during the Hawaiian volcano eruption. I worked alongside locals and volunteers to help evacuate family homes and recover personal belongings. I also documented the eruption from the air, and several news outlets later licensed and published my images.

In 2022, after the pandemic, I joined a commercial gillnet fishing boat in Homer, Alaska. For a season, I learned what it means to be part of a fishing community, the long hours, the family values, the deep respect for sustainable practices, and even the political complexities of NOAA regulations and Alaskan fisheries. It was humbling to witness firsthand how commercial fishing supports communities and shapes the lifecycle of something as simple, and as essential, as a salmon.

What’s next? I’m still figuring that out. I think it’s healthy to leave room for surprise. If you have any ideas, I’m all ears.

Señor Tio

My dog Tio is my hiking buddy, creative recharge partner, and occasional studio assistant. Most days, you’ll find him curled up under my desk while I’m editing or animating. He’s one of the reasons I love being based in the Pacific Northwest. When I need a break, we head to the coast or the woods to reset.

Do you offer mentoring or one-on-one sessions?

While I don’t have a formal program, I really enjoy one-on-one conversations - whether it’s over coffee or a call - about creative work, navigating the bigger questions, or whatever else comes up.

I’ve also spoken to students and creative teams, offering direction, advice, and portfolio reviews. These moments of sharing and connection mean a lot to me because they played such a big role in my own journey. I’m always open to hearing from people looking for guidance.

How do I start working with you?

Send me an email at james@heredia.work with a quick note about your project. From there, we’ll schedule a call to talk through ideas, scope, and timelines.